A Wintery indulgence!

After a morning spent on a project at the computer,

it seemed a good idea to invite a friend to join me for a short

drive into the Adelaide Hills to view the "outside" world for the afternoon.

Following brief stopovers in Stirling and Aldgate, we took up the

recommendation of a delightful shop assistant and headed over to

"The White House" cafe/bistro in the ever-popular town of Hahndorf

where we indulged in a fabulous cappucino by a roaring open fire

(and resisted the delicious-looking temptations of nearby patisseries!)

Colourful Windmill

On a last-minute whim just prior to sunset last night,

I grabbed my camera and headed off for the local park (5 minutes away).

Approaching this windmill from the rear it didn't strike me as especially

noteworthy, BUT, as I continued walking and came around to

it's front side, the sun's rays lit up the blades . . .

Linking up with Skywatch Friday

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, wherever you are.

I spy . . .

During my lakeside meanderings last week, I spotted this

Cormorant perched on top of a solar lighting panel.

"He" certainly had a bird's eye view from there!

.... and on an earlier (unanticipated) walk, this moth was

deeply engrossed in examining these blooms.

Linking up with camera critters

Sunbursts

Joining up with Skywatch Friday

A Winter's meanderings

Following on from my posts of the past few days, here are some

other shots taken on that lovely winter's afternoon:

This group appeared to be competing in what I assume to be kayak polo (?)

on Mawson Lakes.

Some of them had "Australia" printed on the back of their vests but I

couldn't distinguish who their opponents were. They seemed to be having a great time.

This pair of funghi was hiding beneath some shrubs growing lakeside

The perimeter of Parafield Airport - used predominantly for small, light aircraft.

Flight training is also conducted here and joy flights in some early
war-time aircraft

and that yellow brightening up the area is from "squillions"
of Soursobs (or, as I like to call them - "Poor Man's Daffodils"!)

As can be seen from the windsock, it was a pretty calm afternoon

Linking up with Outdoor Wednesday and

Water World Wednesday

What a poser!

A change of routine provided the opportunity for a walk around Mawson Lakes

on a lovely warmish (15oC) Winter afternoon.

This gorgeous New Holland Honeyeater obligingly sat still for me for quite some time, perched on a garden railing.

Linking up with Blue Monday

Macro Monday 2 and

monday mellow yellows

with thanks to the hosts of those sites.

Last minute sighting

At the conclusion of my afternoon's impromptu outing on our recent holiday Monday

(marking Queen Elizabeth II's birthday),

I was about to step into my car when this scene "jumped out at me" from

the car's side window.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday and

Weekend Reflections

Happy weekend all!

"Gungurru"

More floral captures from Monday's outing:  this one I have been able to identify as Eucalyptus caesia "Gungurru".

I enjoy seeing the transition from bell-shaped pod to the spectacular

full bloom that resembles a ballerina's tutu!

Joining in with Outdoor Wednesday 

A spikey delight!

Yesterday was a glorious day for Winter (20oC) and far too good to spend indoors,

so on a spontaneous drive around the local hills with my trusty Nikon P510

on board, this stunning specimen caught my attention.

I've not been able to identify it yet, but believe it is an Australian native species.

Joining in with Gemma's Ruby Tuesday 2

Bright & cheery

Unexpected finds on an unexpected walk!

Joining up with Flowers from Today and
monday mellow yellows

Two in One

Here, in a shop selling previously treasured items, are reflections of

the adjacent streetscape in both the shop's window and a decorative mirror

hanging inside.

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflections

A very happy and adventurous weekend to all

(and thanks again, James, for hosting this site)

Spotting the unexpected

During a spontaneous walk, following an equally spontaneous train journey,

 I spotted this critter having a wonderful time in someone's front garden ...

so perhaps alighting the train one stop too soon wasn't such a bad thing

(but just hoping my companion agrees)!

Linking up with Camera Critters

Ducks'n'Geese'n'chicks better scurry!

During a visit to the Barossa Valley, we stopped by the charming

Stonewell Cottages B&B there and were greeted by some "locals"..

I happily recommend this spot if you're after some tranquility and a cozy environment;

surrounded by grapevines and a large lake with rowing boat,

not to mention the friendly feathered locals!